CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SECOND DIVISION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 138, 11 June 1917, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SECOND DIVISION.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—l heartily endorse the sentiments expressed in your sub-leader of the 9th uxst. It would be most unfair and cruel for any employer to placate who he con-' sidered was a non-essential, obviously he wouldn't be employed unless he was required. I am pleased Mr. T. Peacock, a member of the Chamber, stated such a selection would give offence. The Appeal Board is the proper one to give these decisions. I think the Chamber wanted to elicit what was to be the Dominion's maximum contribution, as no Efficiency Board could advise what should be done without knowing the maximum. The Hon. M. Masscy, when speaking at a Mayoral banquet at Belfast on November 24, 1916 (vide London cables) etated if the Dominion contributed 100,000 men it would be a fair proportion. Sir James Allen, a month later, when speaking at Dunedin, said no Ministerial encouragement had been given to the prevalent idea that 100,000 was to be the Dominion's contribution. Captain Brown, of the Canadian Recruiting Board, when passing through Auckland on his way home (vide "Star" 20th February, 1917) stated that Canada had promised to raise 500,000 men, but so far only 381,000 had enlisted. Subsequent Canadian cables indicated that over 200,000 single men had not yet responded. Canada's contribution, on a 10 per cent, basis, would be about 650,000 men. Australia's position is somewhat similar to Canada's. The Hon. Mac Donald. when speaking at Christehurch on the 21st March, stated 67.139 had gone to the front and 10,600, including Maoris, were in camp in New Zealand, and I think I am safe in saying 8000 have 6ince enlisted, making a total of 85,739 men. The Dominion, on a 10 per cent, basis, requires about 15,000 more if they can be spared, and this is the question at issue. America has joined the Allies and promises to raise an army of 625,000 by October. The foregoing facts require careful consideration.—l am. etc., P. VIRTUE. June 9, (To the Editor.) Sir, —The thanks of the public are due to you for your timely sub-leader in reference to the Chamber of Commerce discussion on the calling up of the Second Division. Burcly the Government, who should be the representatives of the people as a whole, not a section, are the proper authorities to act. What an anomaly for a self-constituted body to say what employee should be called up. Does this not savour of self interest. There may be flaws in our present ballot 6ystem, but it is the voice of the Dominion. Might I suggest that the Chamber of Commerce direct their attention, not so much upon the dispatching of the eligible men to the 'battle front as to look into the treatment of the men returned from the front.—l am, etc., A RETURNED SOI DIER,